Since the World Health Organization (WHO) was founded in 1948, the world has
changed dramatically and so too has its health. But while some scourges (e.g. smallpox
and polio) have subsided, others have made a comeback (e.g. tuberculosis) and
frightening new diseases (e.g. Ebola and Marburg) have appeared.

This book is primarily for young people, especially those interested in working
in public health. It explains in simple, non-technical language how humankind
developed techniques to protect the health of communities, drawing on first-hand
interviews with leading public health figures. It covers a wide range of topics,
from the control of infectious disease outbreaks to fighting the stigma attached to
mental health conditions.

These narratives, told from many parts of the world, show how individuals,
communities, institutions and countries can improve people's health when they
work together. They show the role that WHO has played in providing countries
with the technical support and coordination to make progress in health possible.